About Jeffery James
Jeffery James Lathem has spent his legal career centered on matters that affect veterans and workers. He trained in philosophy as an undergraduate and later turned to law. The combination shows in how he approaches cases: thoughtful but direct, patient with procedure and attentive to the people behind the paperwork.
Lathem earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the University of West Florida in 1990. He then attended Stetson University College of Law, where he completed his Juris Doctor in 1998. Those academic years set the groundwork for a practice that mixes administrative advocacy and courtroom appearances.
He is admitted to practice in the State of Florida and has obtained admission to federal venues that handle both civil and veterans matters. His jurisdictions include the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida and the Northern District of Florida, as well as the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. He also maintains memberships that connect him to the Board of Veterans Appeals and national veterans advocacy organizations.
Lathem established his own firm in 2008 and has served as president and owner of the Law Offices of Jeffery J. Lathem, P.A. since then. Running a small firm has required him to manage cases, clients and the business side of practice. He has handled appeals and administrative matters that often require careful record review and strict adherence to procedural timelines. Those tasks suit a lawyer who came to law after study in a different discipline and who remains oriented to clear reasoning.
His professional affiliations reflect the areas of law he has pursued. He has been a member of the Board of Veterans Appeals since 2011. He is listed with the National Organization of Veterans Advocates and with Florida Workers Advocates, both memberships beginning in 2011. He also belongs to the Okaloosa County Bar Association, a membership he has maintained since 2016. A record of membership in good standing dates back to 1999.
Colleagues describe Lathem as methodical and steady; clients cite his willingness to explain complex rules and procedures in plain terms. He typically handles matters that involve veterans benefits and workers’ compensation-related advocacy, appearing in administrative forums and federal district courts as needed. He manages his practice from his firm and continues to represent veterans and workers in appeals and claims matters.
